Ties have for ages been the staple for completing and pulling together any type of male formal wear (some females too). However, wearing it the wrong way can make a good outfit seem bad. We always want you to look good when you show up and show out, so here are some tips and what not to do when wearing ties:
The Poorly Tied Tie
It is true to consider a poorly tied necktie the worst offender on this list of don’ts. Mistakes include: a tie tied to short or too long, a flimsy looking knot that does not fill the gap between the collar, and a knot that shows any part of the narrow end of the tie.
Too Shortly Tied Necktie
A tie should be tied so that it ends near the middle of your belt buckle. A tie that has been tied too short will throw of the entire look. There is no excuse for it! Even for tall men, most designers offer longer length ties.
Kitschy Novelty Ties
Stay away from novelty ties, yes, those Christmas ties and event print ties with the strange markings that seem more masquerade than the normal stripes and dots.
Clashing Colors & Patterns
So many men choose the wrong tie color and/or pattern for their outfits. In terms of color, choose a shade that compliments your shirt and suit. In doubt wear a dark navy, or charcoal suit, and a white dress shirt as any color tie will compliment.
Wrinkled and/or Stained Neckties
The necktie is usually the focal point of your ensemble. Thus, a wrinkled or stained necktie is immediately noticeable. While ties cannot be washed or ironed (because doing so damages the inlay and drape of the tie), you can always untie your necktie after each wearing. Hang your ties on a tie rack or over a hanger and the fabric will straighten itself out overnight. Also rotate your ties, and never wear the same tie two days in a row.
Wrong Tie Width
The tie width you choose must be proportionate to your body type, dress shirt, suit, and tie knot. Yes, skinny ties are trendy, but they will look out of place if worn with a boxy cut, wide lapelled suit.
Choosing the Wrong Tie for a Particular Dress Code
Yes, there are indeed some dress codes and occasions that will require you to wear a particular style of tie. A perfect example here is the formal black tie dress code (requiring you to wear a self-tied black bow tie), as well as the even more formal white tie occasion (white self-tied pique bow tie).
Accessory Overload
Common necktie accessories are tie-clips and bars, tie pins, and tie chains. While a tie bar can be a perfect addition to your look (especially when paired with solid skinny ties), you want to keep these types of necktie jewelry sleek and elegant. Tie pins, chains, and collar bars are no longer in fashion and should be avoided.
